Samsung Galaxy Note 9 fingerprint sensor repair guide

The fingerprint sensor of your Galaxy Note 9 no longer recognizes your finger?

With this detailed step-by-step guide, you can easily replace it at home.

Removing the back cover is a somewhat more diffucult procedure, so plan enough time for it.

Do a backup before the repair, use a clean work surface and reserve enough time. If you are stuck at any point, just contact our live chat or write a comment on the corresponding step.

Required tools

Flat Picks

Flat Picks

You need a very flat tool such as a flat pick to pry out parts that are glued in place.
from €11.95 on Amazon
Heat gun

Heat gun

You can use a heat gun to heat parts that are glued on so they’re easier to remove. In most cases, you can also use a hairdryer.
from €15.99 on Amazon
iFlex Opening Tool

iFlex Opening Tool

Opening your smartphone can be a very delicate operation, especially if the glue is very persistent. The blade of the flexible but sturdy iFlex measures just 0.15 mm, so it fits in even the smallest gaps, such as between the screen and the frame. The practical iFlex is made of stainless steel and sits comfortably in the hand. This makes it the perfect assistant for every smartphone repair.
from €10.95 on Amazon
iPlastix Opening Tool

iPlastix Opening Tool

Do you want to open your smartphone or lever out large parts like the battery? Then the iPlastix with its large blade will help you. The practical assistant is made of flexible, especially sturdy plastic and lies comfortably in the hand. Thanks to its design, you can even get into smaller gaps, for example to lift the screen or to prevent it from sticking together again.
on Amazon
Steel Laboratory Spatula

Steel Laboratory Spatula

You need a flat and sturdy prying tool to disconnect glued parts.
on Amazon

Show all replacement parts for the Galaxy Note 9

Steps

7 Steps

Switching off your device

Step 1

Removing the back cover

Step 2

Disconnecting the fingerprint sensor

Step 3

Removing the fingerprint sensor

Step 4

Inserting the fingerprint sensor

Step 5

Connect fingerprint sensor

Step 6

Attaching the back cover

Step 7

Getting started with the repair of your Galaxy Note 9

If you get stuck or have questions, you can post a comment. We’d be happy to help.

7 steps

Switching off your device
Turn off your device by holding down the power button until the “Power off” option appears.
Use your finger to confirm that you want to shut down your Galaxy Note 9 and wait until the screen goes blank.
Removing the back cover
Used tools

Heat gun

iFlex Opening Tool

iPlastix Opening Tool

VAKUPLASTIC Suction Cup
The back cover’s really glued to the chassis. Heat the device evenly with hot air to soften the glue. A temperature of 60 - 80°C should be sufficient. As a rule of thumb, you should still be able to touch your device without it being uncomfortably hot.
The easiest way to loosen the back cover is to use a flat and flexible tool such as the iPlastix or iFlex. You will also need several picks to unstick the back cover all around.
Heat the spot where you start and place a flat tool between the back cover and the frame.
The iPlastix is made of plastic, so it won't scratch the device. On the other hand, it's very soft and tricky to insert.
Be extra careful, the back cover can break very easily. If necessary, apply the heat several times and try again. Removing the back cover might take half an hour. Take a little more time and work carefully to make sure you don't break anything.
Once the tool is inserted, stick a pick into the gap to keep it open. Then run the tool around the entire edge to gradually loosen the glue.
Then heat the next part and insert the picks one by one.
The back cover glue is extra strong on the lower edge.
Once the back cover is loosened, lift it very slightly. The fingerprint sensor underneath the camera is still connected with a cable.
Use a suction cup to lift the glass if you can’t find anywhere to insert the tool
Used tools

Heat gun

iFlex Opening Tool

iPlastix Opening Tool

VAKUPLASTIC Suction Cup
Disconnecting the fingerprint sensor
Used tools

Pry Tool
After detaching the back cover, carefully lift it and disconnect the fingerprint sensor using the spudger.
Then you can completely remove the back cover and set it aside.
Used tools

Pry Tool

Removing the fingerprint sensor
Carefully slide in a steel spatula where the wireless charging coil is glued to the NFC antenna and pry off the contact.

Now slowly remove the entire flex cable from the cover.

If the cable is hard to remove, you can use a heat gun to soften the glue
Inserting the fingerprint sensor
Remove the old glue from the fingerprint sensor.
Insert the fingerprint sensor into its intended position in the back cover.
Slightly press down the sensor to make it stick.
If you are installing a new fingerprint sensor, first remove the protective film from the adhesive surface. This of course means there is no need to remove the old adhesive residues.
Connect fingerprint sensor
Fingerprint connector

Before attaching the back cover, plug in the fingerprint sensor connector.
Use a plastic tool to reach the connector.
Attaching the back cover
Put the back cover back in its original position.
Press the back cover on all over so the glue will stick.
You can also heat your device with hot air and then clamp it or weight it down with a couple books so the glue will stick better.
If you install a new backcover, now remove the last protective films from the adhesive surfaces.